of the Mineral Kingdom.” 285 
These shells are also found in several other strata besides the 
ealcareous; all which only proves, that these marine exuviz were 
blended in the mass of chaotic matter when these several strata 
were formed; but to say that these animals can produce any 
particle of matter, is not good philosophy. 
We know that calcareous matter certainly exists in a dis« 
solved fivid state, mixed in abundance with the waters ofthe 
ocean, which is separated from the water in considerable quan 
tity, in the common process of making salt of sea brine. How 
the testaceous tribes make use of it in making shells and corals, 
is too nice a process for my investigation. 
Shells and corals could not exist, as we find them in the body 
of the rocks and strata, upon the supposition of these rocks be- 
ing consolidated by the heat and fusion of fire; because a smaller 
degree of heat than is sufficient to bring our rocks to a state of 
fasion, would calcine all the shells and corals, with the lime- 
stones to boot; and when once they are calcined, they are no 
more shells, &c. but quicklime, to which they would fall with the 
least humidity; and the whole bowels of the earth, as far as we 
penetrate, is full of humidity. 
In short, few of our author’s conclusions are defensible,—and 
no wonder, when he warps and strains every thing to support 
an unaccountable system, viz. the eternity of the world; which 
strange notion is the furthest of ali from being defensible. 
All parts of nature, the minute as well as the grand and mag- 
nificent, proclaim aloud, and point out in legible characters the 
infinite power and skill of the all-wise and benevolent Creator 
and Preserver of the universe. Tle Supreme Being hath highly 
favoured us with an exalted station, and hath given us the image. 
of his own attributes. We daily enjoy the fruits of his care and 
benevolence, and we feel the effects of his goodness, whether we 
advert to and acknowledge it or not. 
The impressions of divinity are legibly stamped on all the 
works of God ; and when we clearly behold the characters of 
ineffable wisdom in the great plan of creatiou,—of infinite skill 
and jutelligence in the contrivance, disposition, and fine fabric 
of all the parts of nature,—of almighty power in producing all 
things and upholding them,—and of exuberant and unbounded . 
goodness in communicating good to all animated nature, we 
then have exalted ideas of the Supreme Being ; and if we reflect 
upon our own distinguished rank and situation in the scale of 
beings, and of our privileges and powers of acquiring knowledge 
and promoting mutual and social happiness, our hearts will exult 
in the display of the glory of the Creator in his works; and if 
we believe that the Creator and Goyernor of the would tee 
anc 
